Bangle, Pol Bury

The bicoloured cuff of hinged design, set with spheres to the interior and exterior, inner circumference approximately 164-172mm, signed Pol Bury, numbered 7/8, first edition made in 1966.

Signed Pol Bury to clasp, inscribed edition number 7/8 on clasp, Italian stamp 750 for 18 carat gold and partial Italian maker's mark, possibly 469 VO, on clasp tongue. Spheres intact, slightly articulated. Scratches and areas of discolouration to metal surfaces consistent with age and wear. Clasp secure with safety catch, in good working order, additional pin fitting deficient. Weight approximately 173.7 grams. Bracelet width approximately 40mm. In good condition. Book with signs of age and use, overall in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Accompanied by the book Pol Bury by Dore Ashton, published in 1970 by Maeght Editeur, Paris. Square 4to, with dust-jacket and card slipcase.   

Pol Bury (1922-2005) was a Belgian sculptor influenced by the perception of time. In 1938 he was a student at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Mons, focusing on painting, drawing and decorative arts. During his studies he was introduced to the surrealist movement, drawing particularly from the works of Magritte and Tanguy. After the Second World War, he moved away from Surrealism and towards abstraction and simplicity, exploring themes of movement within his work, for example, introducing motors into his sculptures, allowing the object to rotate slowly in random movements. Bury’s work was met with critical and commercial acclaim, selling all his pieces before the opening of his show at the Lefebre gallery in the 1960s. He became established as a well-known figure in the art world, and his sculptures can be found in collections and museums worldwide. The moving spheres incorporated into the design of the present bangle were a common motif throughout Pol Bury’s work, showing the continuity between his approaches to sculpture and jewellery, and reflecting his interest in themes of gravity and motion.